ART REVIEW
Sino-Siamese sensibilities
Monchai Pitayawaraporn explores Thai-Chinese intercultural manifestations in his latest exhibition
Thais with Chinese blood constitute over 30% of the country's population. Since the Sukhothai era 700 years ago, Siam and China have maintained a strong relationship on many levels. Evidently, the Chinese quality has in many ways become part of the representation of Thainess, old and contemporary; it is the main foreign culture whose influence on the Thai lifestyle, value and creativity remains strong.
Chinese stone figures feature in Monchai’s painting as a symbol of the Chinese influence in Thai temples.
Artist Monchai Pitayawaraporn _ who is half Chinese himself _ is not only a serious painter, but has also been a well known art tutor to high school students for over a decade. Holding a MA in art from Chulalongkorn University, the artist explores the theme of Thai-Chinese intercultural thinking and manifestations in his latest exhibition, "Critical Times", which is on show at his alma mater's Jamjuree Art Gallery until January 15.
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About the author
- Writer: Suebsang Sangwachirapiban
